Cry Out to God with All Your Heart
There is the lowest point in one’s life experience, and God has provided His Word, for David to express himself, “I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord (Psalm 119:145).” The heart is especially inclined to God in moments of deepest despair, “I will observe Thy statutes.”
Trouble presses from every side, and there is no one who can deliver, except the Lord, “I cried to Thee; save me (Ps 119:146).” Salvation belongs to the Lord (Ps 3:8; Jon 2:9; Rev 19:1), and He is a strong deliverer (Ps 18:2). Knowing this, David pledges his allegiance, “And I shall keep Thy testimonies.”
When Jesus delivers His people, their love for Him is ever enhanced (Ps 91:14; 116:1). Until God’s people are delivered out of this world, trouble will return to them, again and again. Our Lord is faithful and true (Rev 19:11). Therefore, “I rise before dawn and cry for help (Ps 119:147).”
The temporary refuge from trouble, a night of slumber, is shattered when one wakes in the dark hours of the morning. Trouble is waiting for the child of God, but “I will wait for Thy words.” Self-deliverance is never an option, for God is glorified in being the one and only Savior, “Only say the word, and I shall be healed (Mt 8:8).”
The perseverance of the saint is tested by patient endurance, through afflictions of various kinds. Long waits for wayward children; long waits of no employment; long waits through chronic illness; and long waits on heaven’s doorstep in old age are just some examples.
“My eyes anticipate the night watches that I may meditate on Thy Word (119:148),” is our panacea. In the dark night of the soul, it is God’s Word that informs us of God’s delay or His special working. Meditating on the Scriptures gives light and hope. The Bible compels the child of God to pray, “Hear my voice according to Thy lovingkindness (119:149).”
God loves His chosen people (Eph 5:25; 1 Pet 2:9; 1 Jn 4:19); therefore, He hears their prayers. He is a Father who enjoys His children coming to Him. Christ is glorified by their faith, in His exclusive provision of deliverance. They know God’s promises. They know His salvation by experience. They honor Christ with their faith, in waiting upon the Holy Spirit to do His work. Ever walking in the valley of the shadow of death, the believer cries, “Revive me, O Lord, according to Thine ordinance.” The power of God unto salvation is God’s Word. The Almighty speaks and it becomes reality.
As the Christian flees to Christ, the reprobate only wishes to ensnare the believer, for sport, “Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Thy Law (119:150).” Enticing the Christian to disobedience, the unbeliever pretends to have fun in his rebellion against God. He lies about his good life, which itself is a lie. Providentially, the wicked are not the only interested neighbors, “Thou art near, O Lord, and all Thy commandments are truth (119:151).”
Much of the saint’s trouble is the result of being in a world of lies, whose god is the father of lies (Jn 8:44). The lover of truth draws near to God, where truth shines bright. Truth exposes the darkness (Jn 1:5; Eph 5:11). It has always done this good work. The saint is washed by God’s Word and purified by its light (Eph 5:26).
Truth is eternal, and from our earliest introduction to the Scriptures, we learn to trust God, “Of old I have known from Thy testimonies that Thou hast founded them, forever (119:152).” Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away but My words will not pass away (Mt 24:35).”
Christian, who do you have in heaven but God? Who is your ready help in the day of trouble? Who is a friend who sticks closer than a brother? Who is mighty to save you from all your distress? He is Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of truth, who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). He reigns from heaven above, over all things.
The Lord is near, even in you, willing and working His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). Cry out to the Lord in this present darkness. Rediscover that He is your all in all, regardless of what ails you, today.
Rejoice in the Lord, if you have peace and contentment for these are some of His gifts. If you are lacking, know these await you, if you go to Him, who is able to do above all you could ever think or imagine (Eph 3:20). His lovingkindness, His Word, and His salvation are forever. Cry out to Him with all your heart. Then, wait and see the salvation of the Lord.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
August 26, 2022
